Monday, July 18, 2016

Robert Rimmer Art Exhibit Coming to The History Center

The Niagara Art Trail, in cooperation with the Niagara County Historical Society, is pleased to present “More Than Just a Funny Face” featuring the works of Robert Rimmer. Known for his caricatures of the famous and infamous, there’s more to his artwork than just funny faces.

In 2010 and again in 2015, Bob answered the call to immortalize local “celebrities” by drawing their caricatures for the publications “History In the Mocking: Volumes I & II”. The drawings were unveiled and exhibited at the Niagara History Center. No-one could deny that the 2016 presidential race has certainly provided plenty of inspiration for caricatures. The show will include several of them, but we are also excited to present a vast array of Bob’s more serious work including iconic local scenes.

The exhibit will be on display at the Niagara History Center, 215 Niagara Street in Lockport. It will open with a reception on Thursday, July 21 from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. The public is invited to this free event. Light refreshments will be served. The show will remain on exhibit through Saturday, September 17. The History Center is open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission to the Rimmer exhibit is free, however if you wish to tour the rest of the museum complex, regular admission applies. Free will donations to the museum are always accepted and appreciated.

Bob is a lifelong resident of Lockport. His elementary years at Charles Upson School were shaped by his art teacher, Gene Reed. Bob states, “Mr. Reed kept me motivated and enthusiastic about art. When I reached LSHS, Jack DiMaggio and Bill Storrs continued to inspire me artistically and were instrumental in me becoming an art teacher. I also have to thank the late Joe Whalen for all the critiques and positive reinforcement he gave over the past few years”

Bernie is just one of the caricatures to be featured

along with some of the artist’s more serious work including

local scenes sure to be recognized by the public.

Mr. Rimmer received his Bachelors of Science and Masters Degree in Art Education at the State University College at Buffalo. He retired from the Newfane Central School District, after teaching art for 36 years. “Being an art teacher, I felt it necessary to be able to create many different types of art in order to properly assist my students in their artistic pursuits. This is why I enjoy working in a variety of mediums and art forms.” Bob currently has a studio at Art247 (formerly the Market Street Art Center), where some of his work is displayed. He has exhibited at MSAC, the Kenan Center, Albright-Knox, the Butler Library at S.U.C.B., Niagara County History Center and several other WNY galleries. His artwork has won numerous awards in the photography, drawing, and painting categories.

If you have questions in regards to any aspect of the show please contact Jay Krull of the Niagara Art Trail at 716.609.0433 or via email at info@NiagaraArtTrail.com.